Disability
Black Sheep Bonus Episode: The story of New Zealand's Mental Institutions
The last of the so-called ‘lunatic asylums’ closed only 20 years ago. They were founded on ideas of paternalism and social progress and survived on the basis they offered safety. In this special… Audio
Government thinks disabled 'add no value to society' - protester
Disability funding changes have made people feel worthless and bullied by the government, a Christchurch father of four says.
Why we cannot let the disability support changes happen
Opinion - I was hopeful about the future. This is not what that future looks like. This is a massive step backwards into the past, Henrietta Bollinger writes.
There's a place for you in 'Us'
Chloe Loftus is directing a mass outdoor dance event down Wellington's Cuba Street this Sunday and she'd like you to participate. Video, Audio
World Wheel Chair Rugby qualification tournament underway
Eight wheel chair rugby teams from around the world are in Wellington to play for a spot at the Paralympics in Paris later this year. We check in with Event Director Dr Catriona McBean on day two. Audio
Sector issues warning over disability funding changes
Autism NZ's chief executive Dane Dougan says their inboxes have been flooded by people wondering what's next during a "scary time". Audio
Disability announcement was bungled, minister says
"I absolutely accept that we haven't been clear enough," Minister for Disability Issues Penny Simmonds says. Audio
Disability advocate on funding changes
A disability advocate says they are repeatedly missed out from the consultation process about changes that directly affect their quality of life.
The Ministry of Disabled People's made a shock… Audio
Disability Issues Minister Penny Simmonds on changes to funding
The Government's being accused of blindsiding the disabled community when it changed funding for some services this week.
Joshua Perry lives in his Dunedin home and says the individualised funding… Audio
Autism NZ chief on changes to disability funding
The Ministry of Disabled People's announcement that it's restricting the help disabled people can get has left many blindsided.
Respite care, accommodation and noise cancelling headphones are some of… Audio
Disability community reeling after government narrows funding
The disability community is reeling after the government moved to narrow access to funding. Whaikaha, the Ministry of Disabled People, issued new rules for accessing financial support in a Facebook… Audio
Twenty years of sonic healing
Dame Hinewehi Mohi celebrates the 20th anniversary of her first Music Therapy Centre, and the crucial role her daughter's cerebral palsy played in its formation. Audio
Recovering tetraplegic to walk the Abel Tasman track.
In the middle of our covid-lockdowns, when many of us struggled with the huge changes brought on by the pandemic, Andrew Leslie had challenges of his own. He became tetraplegic as a result of an… Audio
Urban Issue: How wheelchair accessibility can benefit us all
Bill McKay looks at how designing public spaces with wheelchair accessibility at the forefront can benefit everyone, and not just those with obvious disabilities. The term 'universal design' conveys… Audio
Group calls on goverment to withdraw Accessibility for New Zealanders Bill
Access Matters Aotearoa want a new bill drafted that aligns more closely with the expectations of the disability sector.
New agreement aims to make Whakatāne more accessible, safer
A new agreement between a disability advocacy group and Whakatāne's council aims to make the district safer and more accessible.
Specialised school transporters in need of drivers
There are children up and down the country with diverse safety and mobility needs that need support getting to and from school. SESTA is the Specialised School Transport Assistance need more drivers!
…Heading Off: Travelling without seeing
Twenty two years ago avid traveller Fraser Alexander lost his sight aged just 37. Now when he travels a trip starts with endless planning and emails about accessibility. We speak to Fraser. Audio
The world's only Deaf-owned adventure company is thriving in NZ
Rachel Soudakoff is on a mission to make Aotearoa's great outdoors more accessible for Deaf people.
Technology advances helping children with disabilities in class
The start of the school year can be an expensive time, not just for uniforms and stationery, but for devices too. And if you are the parent of a child with disabilities the costs are amplified… Audio
